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Context

• Scientists discovered the rare St. George’s cross medusa jellyfish near a Japanese volcanic crater in 2002. Now they have confirmed it is a new species altogether.
• It has been named as Santjordia pagesi.

Santjordia pagesi

• Santjordia pagesi is considered large at 4 inches wide and 3 inches tall, boasts a circular body with around 240 tentacles.
• Its most distinctive feature is a bright red, cross-shaped stomach.
• Its transparent body, resembles a cushion, with a thick white ring and vein-like structures.
• The jellyfish, found at depths of 2,700 to 2,800 feet in the Sumisu Caldera near the Ogasawara Islands, has been observed pulsing its body, propelling it forward by opening and contracting the outer white ring.
• The species designation pays homage to Francesc Pagès, a cnidarian researcher.
• The jellyfish’s distinct features suggest it may possess a novel cnidarian venom.

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